3SquaresVT (Food Stamps)

3SquaresVT is Vermont’s food stamp program. 3SquaresVT helps low-income individuals and families buy food. Each month the Department for Children and Families Economic Services Division (DCF/ESD) deposits money into a debit card like a bank card.

The bank card is called the “Vermont EBT card.” Most Vermont grocery, convenience store, and some farmers markets accept Vermont EBT cards. If you are age 60 or over, or get Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you can get a cash benefit deposited into your bank account.

You can buy most foods with your Vermont EBT card. You can’t buy non-food items like tobacco, soap, toothpaste, pet products, pet food and alcohol with your 3SquaresVT benefits. Every time you buy food with your card, the amount is taken from the money in your Vermont EBT account. Your receipt will show you what is left on your card.

Replacement Benefits

If you get 3SquaresVT benefits and lose food because of flooding, fire or loss of electricity, you may be eligible for replacement benefits. You must request replacement benefits within 10 days of the event that caused you to lose food.

Go to the 3SquaresVT website to find out if you can get replacement benefits and what you need to do. If you have questions, call the Benefits Service Center at 1-800-479-6151 or call your local district office.

You can find more information about 3SquaresVT in this section of our website. If you are eligible, you should apply for 3SquaresVT.

A 3SquaresVT household is the people who live, purchase and prepare food together. There may be only one person in a 3SquaresVT household. Or, there may be more than one 3SquaresVT household in the same home, if people live together but do not buy food and make meals together.

The following people are always considered to be part of the same household if they live together, even if they do not purchase and prepare food together:

spouses

civil union partners

couples who live together and share resources and income

parents and their children under age 21

adults and any child under age 18 the adult takes care of, even if they aren't their biological children

As your income goes up, your 3SquaresVT benefit goes down (roughly $1 for each $3 you make). The table below lists the maximum amount a household can receive. You may get less.

Maximum Benefit from 3SquaresVT

People in Household

Maximum Monthly 3SquaresVT Amount

1

$192

2

$353

3

$505

4

$642

5

$762

6

$914

7

$1,011

8

$1,155

(Amounts updated October 1, 2018)

If you receive 3SquaresVT (food stamps), you automatically qualify for some other benefits. This website tells you more about the benefits you can receive.

Fuel Assistance

You should apply for both Fuel Assistance (seasonal fuel benefits) and 3SquaresVT. If you get fuel assistance, it may increase the amount of 3SquaresVT benefits you get.

If you live in subsidized housing, you should still apply for fuel assistance. Some people who live in public housing or have a Section 8 voucher may get a $5 fuel benefit. That benefit may increase your 3SquaresVT benefit amount.

If you already get 3SquaresVT, you may qualify for more help if your medical expenses are at least $35. Use this helpful monthly medical expense worksheet, prepared by Law Line of Vermont, to add up your monthly expenses.

You have a right to a timely decision from the Department for Children and Families (DCF). If you give the information that you are asked to provide, DCF has to give you an answer within 30 days. You may qualify for a faster decision. Find out more about your right to a timely decision.

Even if you get 3SquaresVT, you can get WIC. WIC foods supplement your family’s diet. Most WIC foods are items families buy every month. WIC helps make the rest of your food budget more flexible.

Many families who make too much or don’t qualify for 3SquaresVT are eligible for WIC. You are also financially eligible if you or your child currently receives Medicaid, Dr. Dynasaur, 3SquaresVT or Reach-Up. Visit our WIC in Vermont page to learn more.